Mycena

Types of Mushrooms Bolete Mushrooms Pumpkin Pictures Types of Mushrooms

Mycena are a genus of gilled mushrooms that are sometimes called Fairy Helmets. Members of the genus are some of the most colorful and smallest mushrooms seen growing on forest floors.

With over two hundred identified species, identifying any particular species can be difficult. It's best to enjoy them as the small, thin purple, red, yellow, brown and orange mushrooms.

The top picture might shows mycena strobilinoides, a bright orange species found growing in the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels